"A Strategy for the new geopolitical Commission". Jutta Urpilainen, European Commissioner for International Partnership, presents the Strategy with Africa at a press conference in early 2020.
© picture alliance/EPA-EFE | Olivier Hoslet
"A Strategy for the new geopolitical Commission". Jutta Urpilainen, European Commissioner for International Partnership, presents the Strategy with Africa at a press conference in early 2020.
© picture alliance/EPA-EFE | Olivier Hoslet
The EU’s Global Gateway strategy stands at the heart of Brussel’s cooperation with the neighbouring continent. Jutta Urpilainen, Commissioner for International Partnerships, highlights the Team Europe approach in bringing together resources and expertise for Africa, in Africa and increasingly led by Africa.
In today's interconnected world, the political importance of international partnerships cannot be overstated. One such partnership that holds immense promise is the Africa-EU Partnership, a multi-actor collaboration that brings together European Union (EU) and African Union (AU) Member States, non-state and civil society organizations, youth bodies, economic and social actors, and the private sector.
At the heart of this partnership is the commitment to dialogue and cooperation, and Germany plays an integral role in shaping the future of this collaboration as an active Team Europe member, with the Global Gateway initiative at the forefront.
The positive and sustainable Global Gateway offer stands as the driving force behind this renewed partnership. Grounded in the framework of "Joint Vision for 2030," the Global Gateway Africa – Europe Investment Package charts the path forward and supports transformational projects in the areas of green transition, digital transition, sustainable growth and decent job creation, health systems, education, and training.
These change-driven projects are supported through 150 billion EUR worth of investments delivered through Team Europe initiatives. Through these investments, Global Gateway builds a future where the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, political instability, conflicts, security issues, food crises, climate change, and biodiversity loss are transformed into opportunities for sustainable growth and cooperation.
What Germany can do
Germany plays an instrumental role in supporting the Global Gateway vision. Team Europe is not a team without its members. This collaborative approach brings together the EU, EU Member States, and European development finance institutions to mobilize up to 300 billion EUR worldwide in public and private investments between 2021 and 2027 in an effort to narrow the investment gap worldwide, by creating links, not dependencies.
EU’s commitment to investing in new strategic transport corridors and promoting renewable energy, renewable hydrogen production, and critical raw materials in Africa, aligns with the shared goals of sustainability and clean energy solutions. For instance, at the beginning of September, the Green Hydrogen Strategy and Roadmap for Kenya was launched, with the support of Global Gateway. The roadmap will guide Kenya towards its goal of developing its green hydrogen industry, accelerate investments and support Kenya’s commitment of achieving a 100 per cent renewable electricity system by 2030. Germany is a key partner for Kenya and will support this project with a loan of 60 million EUR.
The list of Global Gateway initiatives is extensive. In healthcare for example, the production of vaccines, medicines and health technologies for Africa in Africa is becoming reality. In the digital landscape, investments are being directed towards a visionary project – a submarine fibre-optic cable which will connect the EU with Africa along the Atlantic coast and in combination with other digital investments in sub-Saharan Africa, will provide access to open, secure internet to millions.
Furthermore, Germany's involvement in the Sahel region, with a focus on both development and security, signifies its dedication to coordinated efforts within the region. Germany's active participation, through Team Europe initiatives, in 39 out of the 87 Global Gateway flagships, such as the Great Green Wall or the hydrogen power plant in Morocco, serves as a testament to its commitment to advancing internationalism and strong multilateral approaches.
The way forward
As we progress with the rollout of the 2023 Global Gateway flagships and embark on consultations for the 2024 list, we recognize Germany's active role in these endeavours. The possibility for stronger alignment of Germany's raw materials policies with a joint European approach within the framework of Global Gateway is a prime example of the potential for synergy and success.
Global Gateway takes centre stage in strengthening the Africa-EU Partnership, with valuable support from various partners, including Germany. This partnership embodies the ideals of a more interconnected, collaborative world and shared values. By working in close cooperation, European partners and African counterparts contribute significantly to shaping a future marked by shared prosperity, sustainability, and global cooperation. With Global Gateway as a driving force and Germany as one of the steadfast supporters, we move forward united and determined to create a brighter future for all, bringing direct benefits for the citizens of Europe and Africa.
Since 2019, Jutta Urpilainen is the European Commissioner for International Partnerships. Previously, she served as the Minister of Finance of Finland from 2011 to 2014.
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